Coinfection of Sarcina ventriculi and Candida in a patient of gastric outlet obstruction: An overloaded pyloric antrum.

Sarcina ventriculi is a rare gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria, associated with delayed gastric emptying. We report a case of a 45-year-old lady, who presented with features of gastric outlet obstruction, and coinfection of S. ventriculi and Candida was detected on examining gastric brushings and biopsy. S. ventriculi is identified by its peculiar configuration in the form of tetrads and octets. Coexistence of S. ventriculi with other organisms is highly unusual.

Review article: Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric outlet obstruction - prevalence of the infection and role of antimicrobial treatment.

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease complicated by gastric outlet obstruction seems to be, overall, lower than that reported in non-complicated ulcer disease, with a mean value of 69%. However, H. pylori infection rates in various studies range from 33% to 91%, suggesting that differences in variables, such as the number and type of diagnostic methods used or the frequency of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug intake, may be responsible for the low prevalence reported in some studies. The resolution of gastric outlet obstruction after the eradication of H. pylori has been demonstrated by several studies. It seems that the beneficial effect of H. pylori eradication on gastric outlet obstruction is observed early, just a few weeks after the administration of antimicrobial treatment. Furthermore, this favourable effect seems to remain during long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, gastric outlet obstruction does not always resolve after H. pylori eradication treatment and an explanation for the failures is not completely clear, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug intake perhaps playing a major role in these cases. Treatment should start pharmacologically with the eradication of H. pylori even when stenosis is considered to be fibrotic, or when there is some gastric stasis. In summary, H. pylori eradication therapy should be considered as the first step in the treatment of duodenal or pyloric H. pylori-positive stenosis, whereas dilation or surgery should be reserved for patients who do not respond to such medical therapy.

Gastric outlet obstruction resulting from peptic ulcer disease requiring surgical intervention is infrequently associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) secondary to peptic ulcer disease requiring therapeutic intervention remains a common problem. The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in this cohort has not been well defined. Pneumatic dilatation (PD) has been proposed as first-line therapy before surgical intervention. If H pylori infection in patients with GOO is infrequent, PD may not offer permanent control without the need for longterm antacid therapy. STUDY DESIGN: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of H pylori infection and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing resection for GOO. The records of all patients having resection (vagotomy and antrectomy) for benign disease from 1993 to 1998 for GOO at the University of Tennessee affiliated hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. Smoking history, NSAID use, weight loss, previous ulcer treatment, previous treatment for H pylori, and previous attempts at PD were among the factors examined. H pylori infection was documented by Steiner stain from either preoperative biopsy or, in most patients, final surgical specimens. Surgical complications and patient satisfaction were ascertained from inpatient records, postoperative clinical notes, and, where possible, followup telephone surveys. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent surgical resection during the study period. There were 16 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 61 years (range 40 to 87 years). Weight loss was documented in 58% and averaged 27 lb. Five of 24 patients had previous attempts at PD, 3 of whom were H pylori negative. All five had further weight loss after these failed attempts. Of the 24 patients reviewed, only 8 (33%) were H pylori positive. There were no procedure-related deaths. Longterm clinical followup was possible in 16 of 24 patients, and all but one demonstrated dramatic clinical improvement by Visick score. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude the following: 1) In this cohort, H pylori infection was present in a minority; 2) previous attempts at PD were unsuccessful, which may be related to the H pylori-negative status of the patients; 3) mortality related to the operation was zero; and 4) patient satisfaction was positive by the Visick scale. Patients with H pylori-negative GOO resulting from peptic ulcer disease should be strongly considered for an early, definitive, acid-reducing surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic repositioning of a ventriculo-peritoneal catheter tip for a sterile abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst.

Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst is an uncommon but well-described complication that is reported to occur in <1% of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunts. Management options for pseudocysts include various types of shunt revisions, which recently have been conducted laparoscopically. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl in whom a sterile abdominal CSF pseudocyst was successfully fenestrated and the VP catheter repositioned using laparoscopy. This technique in the setting of a noninfected pseudocyst has proven to be safe, with results comparable to the conventional open technique. However, the long-term success rate is still unknown.

Upper gastrointestinal findings and incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection among Nigerian patients with dyspepsia.

Gastroscopy is the preferred method of diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) disorders which often present with dyspepsia. Since the discovery of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as an important aetiological agent in gastroduodenal disease, investigation for this organism during UGI endoscopy has become a standard clinical practice. We have studied a large number of Nigerian patients with dyspeptic symptoms referred for endoscopy for the spectrum of gastroduodenal diseases and the incidence of H. pylori infection. Detection of H. pylori was done on gastric muscosal biopsies either by the Campylobacter-Like Organism (CLO)-urease test or by histropathology. A total of 834 patients were studied out of which 268 were investigated for H. pylori. A hundred and ninety-five patients (73%) were positive for H. pylori and the peak age was in the fourth decade. Duodenal ulcer (DU) was the most common endoscopic finding (38.7%). The incidence of H. pylori infection was 76% among patients with DU, gastritis, gastroduodenitis and gastric outlet obstruction. However, all the anterior and pyloric channel Duus tested for H. pylori were positive gastric ulcer (GU) was diagnosed in only 4.7% of patients but 82% of them tested for H. pylori were positive. H. pylori was significantly associated with GU occurring with gastritis. Gastric carcinoma was diagnosed in 52 patients (6.2%) and 50% of those tested for H. pylori were positive. This study shows that H. pylori plays an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease among Nigerian patients and that the diagnosis of anterior and pyloric channel Duus or gastroesophageal polyp disease may be an indicator of massive H. pylori infection.

Gastric outlet obstruction induced by a gastric wall abscess after cholecystitis.

In December 2011, an 84-year-old Japanese man was admitted with severe cholecystitis. We treated the cholecystitis using antibiotics, and his symptoms improved. In March 2012, he was readmitted after experiencing a sudden bloating sensation and vomiting. We determined that a gastric wall abscess had protruded into the antrum. The gastric wall was adjacent to the gallbladder, and the gastric abscess was related to a known case of cholecystitis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy indicated that the abscess was under the mucous membrane of the gastric antrum. Pus, exuding from the abscess, was aspirated with an endoscope.

An unusual case of gastric outlet obstruction caused by tuberculosis: challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Gastroduodenal tuberculosis (GDTB) is rare in the West. Its presentation can be non-specific and often mimics other more common conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, malignancy and Crohn's disease. Our case describes a 33-year-old Indian immigrant who presented with a 3-year history of dyspepsia and underwent balloon dilation for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). While biopsies from the duodenum revealed only non-caseating granuloma, a high index of suspicion was maintained and colonoscopy, performed despite the absence of lower gastrointestinal symptoms, revealed a single discrete nodular and ulcerated area in the proximal transverse colon; this eventually grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our patient avoided undergoing major surgery and was successfully treated with balloon dilation and antitubercular medication. We highlight the importance of having a concerted, proactive approach to diagnosis. We discuss the therapeutic challenges involving this rare condition and explain the rationale for high-dose antisecretory therapy.

Endoscopic therapy of benign pyloric stenosis and gastric outlet obstruction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine the short and long-term success rates of balloon dilation of pyloric stenosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Several large studies have demonstrated high rates of success for the relief of symptoms from pyloric stenosis using through-the-scope balloons. These dilating balloons readily increase the diameter of the stenotic pylorus on average from 6 to 16 mm. Patients who require more than two dilations are at high risk of endoscopic failure and the need for surgical intervention. Rapid re-stenosis rates are observed in patients with malignant pyloric obstruction. Since many patients with benign pyloric stenosis have underlying ulcer disease, helicobacter infection is a relatively common finding. Eradication of this infection at the time of balloon dilation will ensure higher long-term success rates. SUMMARY: In summary, benign pyloric stenosis can be readily treated with endoscopic balloon dilation and should be the first-line therapy.

Helicobacter pylori-related gastric outlet obstruction: is there a role for medical treatment?

The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of duodenal and gastric ulcer and ulcer recurrence is widely known. Bleeding, perforation, and gastric outlet obstruction represent the most serious, potentially life-threatening complications of ulcer disease. At present, the effect of H. pylori eradication on complicated ulcer disease has not been fully established. Case reports exist on the resolution of gastric outlet obstruction after eradication of H. pylori. We report the first case of H. pylori-related gastric outlet obstruction successfully treated with parenteral antibiotics.

Endoscopic balloon dilation for benign gastric outlet obstruction with or without Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic balloon dilation has been used to treat patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by peptic stricture. This study assessed the role of endoscopic balloon dilation in patients with gastric outlet obstruction with or without Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: Consecutive patients seen between January 1996 and September 2001 with benign gastric outlet obstruction (defined as stenosis preventing the passage of a 9-mm diameter endoscope, vomiting, succussion splash, and recent weight loss) were prospectively studied. Exclusion criteria were the following: refusal to undergo dilation, and gastric outlet obstruction because of malignancy. At endoscopy, antral biopsy specimens were obtained for histopathologic evaluation and for a rapid urease test for Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients then underwent dilation with through-the-scope balloons. After balloon dilation, patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were treated to eradicate the infection. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (33 men, 18 women; median age 65 years; IQR 44-79 years) were studied; 33 consented to endoscopic balloon dilation. Symptom resolution occurred in 25 patients (14 Helicobacter pylori positive, 11 Helicobacter pylori negative). During a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR 16-40 months), 3 of 14 patients in the Helicobacter pylori positive group and 6 of 11 in the Helicobacter pylori negative group developed further ulcer complications (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: After endoscopic dilation for gastric outlet obstruction, eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with fewer ulcer complications.

Long-term results of endoscopic balloon dilatation for gastric outlet obstruction.

Endoscopic balloon dilatation has been used for more than 10 years for the treatment of peptic gastric outlet obstruction. Long-term outcomes in series from tertiary centers have shown a high rate of failure in several studies. We reviewed a series of patients treated with balloon dilatation in a community hospital to evaluate the effectiveness in this procedure and factors that would affect success rate. Forty consecutive patients who had successful initial balloon dilatation for benign gastric outlet obstruction were followed for at least two years or until death or surgical therapy occurred. Data were obtained from the gastrointestinal laboratory log book, hospital, and office records. Patients were also interviewed by telephone. Twelve patients had relief of obstruction by initial dilatation. The remaining 28 patients developed recurrent symptoms and 12 in this group eventually required surgery. Factors predicting referral for surgery included younger age, need for multiple procedures, technical failure of dilatation in four patients, and long duration of treatment course. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori was associated with successful relief of obstruction without surgery, whereas continued use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was associated with recurrent obstruction. In the community hospital, endoscopic treatment is safe and is usually successful in relieving benign gastric outlet obstruction. Repeat dilation is often needed and long-term success will be improved by elimination of H. pylori infection and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory use.

Helicobacter pylori-induced lymphonodular hyperplasia: a new cause of gastric outlet obstruction.

A 30-year-old female was seen with symptoms and radiological evidence of gastric outlet obstruction. Endoscopic examination revealed findings suggestive of gastric outlet obstruction with nodularity of the antral mucosa leading to deformity of the pylorus. Endoscopic biopsies from the nodular antral mucosa showed presence of Helicobacter pylori-induced lymphonodular hyperplasia without evidence of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Anti-H. pylori therapy resulted in eradication of the H. pylori infection and the signs and symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. The case demonstrates that H. pylori-induced lymphonodular hyperplasia can also cause gastric outlet obstruction. We believe this is the first such case to be reported.